CrossFit Epping

Meet Rae. She’s a Windy City transplant who made CFE her home away from home after a relocation to the Seacoast. Rae has been training with us since last November, and through all the chaos of moving a home, pets and four kiddos she didn’t skip a beat with her fitness. In fact, she even reached out a few months before leaving in order to hit the ground running in NH. That in and of itself is pretty impressive. Now add in a handful of  PR’s, “firsts” and friendships had and safe to say it’s going well.

We know it’s never easy leaving one CrossFit community for another, it can even feel like a break up. That said, we’re pretty excited Rae found a home in ours. Read on to learn a bit more about Rae’s fitness journey:

What do you do outside of CrossFit?

I am a Registered Nurse.  Previously, I worked in intensive care and oncology. For the past several years I have been a stay at home mom to my 4 kids. This fall my youngest son will start Kindergarten. I am looking forward to taking a nursing refresher course and jumping back into my career.

My family and I enjoy outside activities like camping, hiking, and swimming. 

What did you do for fitness before CFE?
Before I started Crossfit I did a lot of distance running. I ran the Chicago Marathon twice. I enjoyed the challenge of that, but my body feels much healthier now with weight training. When my kids were really young I belonged to a fitness center primarily for the childcare. I would drop all the kids off, halfheartedly workout, and take a shower in peace.

What made you chose CFE?
I chose CFE after moving to New Hampshire from the Chicago suburbs last winter. I had done CrossFit before and knew what I was looking for in a box. I knew by looking at the website that the space and the programming would be good, but once I dropped in for a trial, I was sold. The energy and the community are so encouraging. I love being surrounded by people that work hard and support each other.

Advice to someone who is hesitant to try CrossFit?
It can feel really intimidating to walk into a gym and try something completely different. CrossFit isn’t just for athletes, it’s for people that want stay healthy and fit enough to enjoy their lives. To build strength and mobility for everyday activities.

CrossFit provides a unique way to meet new people, hang out with friends, and even have people cheer you on. These are probably things we took for granted growing up, but how many situations do we get like this as adults? Take the plunge and try it!

Proudest achievement?
I feel very proud of the people my kids are becoming. Watching them learn and grow to be kind humans has been my biggest reward.

Greatest challenge?
My recent move to New Hampshire has been a really big challenge. We moved here in November of last year so that my husband wouldn’t have to commute for work anymore. I’ve lived my whole life in the Chicago area and knew absolutely no one here. It’s been difficult, but I’m very thankful for the CFE community for welcoming me right away. You all were some of the first friends I met here and the gym already feels like home.

Goals moving forward in life, at the gym?
I am excited to restart my nursing career and have more time for self development now that my kids will all be in school.

In the gym: butterfly pull-ups and continuing to build muscle with the bodybuilding programming

If you could design a workout what would it be?
I think it would be some variation with heavy cleans, rowing and toes to bar with BUILT IN REST.

If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?
Pasta. Nothing fancy, just noodles with marinara.

Favorite Movie?
I love the original Star Wars Trilogy

You’re stuck in a Karaoke Bar and can’t leave till you sing a song, what song is it?
Oh God, just thinking about this gives me anxiety. I have no idea.

What’s a fun fact about you that we should know about you?
I’ve always loved reading; a couple of years ago I decided to try to branch out of my comfort zone and read all the Pulitzer Prize winning fiction books. It’s been a fun goal to chip away at. Sofar, Ive read 20 of the 94 books.